U.N. scolds DRC for political violence

Political differences in the Democratic Republic of Congo can't be settled through violence and killings, the U.N. high commissioner for human rights said. African leaders took note of isolated violence during elections in the DRC. This week, the United States placed sanctions on a political candidate who leads the Mai Mai militia in DRC for alleged human rights violations. African officials said there were "numerous" challenges that overshadowed otherwise "successful" elections in DRC. Presidential and parliamentary elections Monday marked the second time the country had democratic elections since gaining independence in 1960. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, in statements Thursday, condemned political violence in DRC. She said U.N. investigators discovered that more than 10 people were killed by security forces and those supporting political parties since Saturday. "Clearly, political differences cannot be resolved through killings and security forces should not use disproportionate force in the conduct of crowd control," she said. "Such violations, as well as violence committed by supporters of political parties, must be investigated and perpetrators brought to justice without delay." Incumbent President Joseph Kabila faced 10 challengers in the election. Thousands of candidates vied for seats on the country's legislative body. Final results are expected next week.